Wednesday, July 15, 2015

For the first time this year, we had the opportunity to use
a drone to take aerial photography of our site. They did have the drone last
year, however, they never got the chance to take high quality photos of the site
due to some rather unfortunate mishaps. Jordan Tynes, a professor from
Wellesley College visited us for a week to help teach us about the technology
and take photos of the site. Kaylie Cox, a fellow student and aerial protégé,
was Jordan’s assistant and took over for him when he had to leave. She is quite
the expert on drone technology already.

Flying the drone is a two-person operation and requires
careful coordination so the drone won’t crash. A Go-Pro camera is attached to
the bottom of the drone, while photos are taken using the time-lapse setting
with two photos being taken every second. While one person is controlling the
drone, the other watches the timer so the battery won’t run out. The battery
only lasts for eight minutes of active flying, making it very important for the
co-pilot to give regular updates on how much time has passed. The highest that
we have seen the drone fly over the site is 125 feet but Kaylie would not recommend
going over 100 feet due to the drone’s sensitivity to wind. With such
thoughtful consideration of the elements, there have not been any crashes yet!

This technology is important for archaeological sites and
excavations because it can document changes from the air that might not be as
noticeable from the ground. It gives us a bigger picture of how things are
progressing on site and provides a different perspective for our photography.
It also gives us a direct overhead view of the site compared to our photography
taken from the ground, as it is not always easy to take photos from the ground
due to awkward angles or positioning.

The only downside to the technology is that it can only be
used in certain weather conditions. We had to learn this the hard way one day
when we rushed to clean up our trench but it turned out that the wind was too
strong for the drone to fly. It will be very interesting to see how drone
photography on archaeological sites progresses in the coming years!

Throughout the history of archaeology, evolved methods
have allowed for increases in information acquisition and advancements in
archaeological accuracy. We have total stations, digital databases, and
chemically literate conservators. However, the lowly laborer attains no
newfound skill, performing techniques that just might be as old as archaeology
itself. Thankfully, that is all about to change.

Please be cautious in attempting any of the following
presented techniques, as many of them require considerable balance, excellent
physical coordination, and perhaps a couple of extra handfuls at nut break.
Additionally, anyone with a history of cardiac illness, weak lung capacity, or
lack of mental fortitude should refrain from the following, or consult a specialist
before attempting to engage in any of the activities listed below.

The Flying Sherd:

The name is self-explanatory. An accurate sherd toss into
a pottery bucket can save the time and energy one requires to constantly walk
back and forth. Plastic buckets are recommended, not metal, in order to reduce
impact, and possible sherd damage. Also, this technique should not be used with
faunal material, as it is often far more fragile. Lastly, if one is especially
concerned with the well-being of airborne material; the “alley-oop” method may
be initiated.

The
Reverse-Through-The-Legs Dustpan and/or Shovel Disposal:

Once again, the title of this technique is description
enough. It is a technique found most useful in tight, awkward spaces, in which
zembili placement options are adequate at best.

The Schliemann Shuffle or
The Heinrich Hop:

It depends on the region: in Beotia it is referred to as
The Schliemann Shuffle, and in Attica, The Heinrich Hop. To perform this
technique, simply make a lateral two-step hop to move positions while digging
with a pick. The technique is conducted in order to maximize picking
efficiency, covering more ground without having to reach, therefore preventing
possible muscular injuries.

The Foot-Flick and Catch:

The brilliance of this technique is due to its
simplicity. By catching the shaft of ones’ hand-tool with the laces of the
shoe, the fall is cushioned, the floor of the trench avoids being marked, and
energy is not wasted by bending down to slowly place a tool. Furthermore, the
opposite technique may be applied by sliding one’s foot under the shaft of a
grounded hand-tool and lifting/flicking the foot; raising the tool in a quick
but controlled motion. This technique not only maximizes labor efficiency in
terms of speed, but also saves ones’ lumbar region from a possible chronic
injury. Plus, it looks cool.

Shirts, Shorts, and Sherds:

Although this next technique is more indirectly related
to excavating than the previous listed, a freshly washed, crisp garment can
make a 5:00AM rise almost pleasant. However, it can be difficult to find time
for doing laundry within the busy schedule of an archaeologist. And of course, properly
cleaned archaeological materials are essential to any successful dig. So, this
technique is quite straightforward: sherd washing and laundry at the same time.

The Stratigraphy Sommelier:

Few archaeological laborer grunts are savvy with the
information one can gain if they are able to recognize things like soil
changes, various stratified layers, material inclusions, etcetera. So, this
technique allows for even a mindless pawn to notice a subtle, significant event
that may occur in his or her trench. To excel at this technique, one need only
to lick every bit of earth, rock, fauna, flora, and ceramic available in the
surrounding environment, constantly. Eventually, one will acquire the skill to
distinguish different types of stone based on their texture against the tongue,
or even, taste a date.

Although it is safe to say that the field of archaeology
will never be the same, the provided examples serve merely to scratch the
surface of archaeological technique advancement. Lastly, It is important to
note that many of these techniques may be combined in several ways with the
groundbreaking tool technologies presented in Mr. Jones’ earlier blog entry.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Every good archaeologist has a set of essential tools used
daily on site. While some are more important then others each plays an
important role in excavation.

The Small Pick:

Required for more detailed work such as articulating large
rocks or cleaning a bulk at the end of the day. A pick does less damage then
most other tools because when breaking into the earth there is only on small
point of contact rather than with a shovel where more extensive damage can be
done due to its width.

The Trowel: A multipurpose tool.

Sometimes it feels as though there
is nothing that a trowel cannot do. During my first few days on site the trowel
felt awkward in my hand and I wasn’t quite sure of its full purpose. Now after
5 weeks on site it fits naturally in my hand, almost like an extension of my
arm. A trowel to an archaeologist is like a scalpel to a surgeon. Since
arriving on site not a day has gone by that I have not required my trowel. It
can be used for a variety of things on site ranging from scraping a bulk to
examining soil changes on a surface, or simply collecting dirt into a dustpan.
It’s most important use in my experience is for checking for changes in soil on
a surface. For example if you are working on a surface using picks and shovels
you may not notice a change in soil density that clearly. If one area is denser
or more clay like then another, a quick scrape on the surface with the edge of
your trowel will help to clarify any changes.

Brush: Necessary for all cleaning styles.

The
brushes found on site range from paintbrushes to large brooms. Small straw
brushes as shown in the image above are particularly useful for brushing off
rocks and cleaning uneven surfaces. Paintbrushes can be used on site for more
delicate work and gentle cleaning in order to not damage or displace the item
being excavated. For example if you were to come across a mud brick that you
wanted to articulate and photograph a paintbrush would to the least damage. Larger brooms can often be used on harder
surfaces at the end of the day to clean up, in a similar fashion to the way you
would sweep the floor at home.

The Dust Pan:

While
dustpans may seem insignificant in day-to-day life they are very important at
an excavation site for soil removal. When working in smaller areas where a
shovel is not an option, the dustpan is a lifesaver. Also very helpful at the
end of the day to clean up any messes created during excavation. A clean trench
is the best kind of trench.

The Water Bottle: Most important tool of all.

Without
water nothing can be done on site. This may seem silly but dehydration is no
joke here at EPAB. With hot days and
lots of physical activity you can become ill very quickly if you aren’t
drinking lots of water. The average team member will drink 2-4 liters of water
before lunch. If you aren’t hydrated you cant dig, and that’s no fun for
anyone.

Shovel and Large Pick:

The shovel and the pick go together like peanut butter and
jelly. When removing a layer or soil, or making a pass, the pick will be used
along with the shovel. Similar to a small pick a large pick is used to loosen
soil. Large picks play an important role in the removal of soil, particularly
when opening a new trench and getting through the layer of top soil. The pick
like make somewhere between a 5-10cm pass and a shovel will follow behind
removing the soil being careful not to carve into the newly reveled layer
below. This technique is used in order to prevent unnecessary damage to
potential artifacts in the soil.

Wheelbarrow and Zambeili:

Two tools that are often unappreciated but play an important
role on site. A Zambeli is a large rubber bucket placed in the trenches and is
very important in removing soil. Soil it transferred from the trenches to the
wheelbarrows via the zambeli and then transported to the dirt pile away from
the trenches. In order to excavate a site you need to be clean and precise, so
soil needs to be constantly moving. Wheelbarrows are often running non-stop all
day long on site.

Bulk Scraper: The Secret weapon.

This tool is how you get the straightest bulk walls on site.
Archaeological sites are broken down into grid units and on our site each grid
is a 5 X 5 meter square. Bulk walls for as you move down into the soil sort of
like a small shaft. These bulk walls need to be straight and vertical in order
to ensure that you are collecting everything that is within you grid unit. If
your bulk slants you could miss an important artifact or feature within the
soil. This tool shown above helps to create perfectly flat and vertical bulk
walls.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

This
summer will be the last of my undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts Double
Major in Anthropology and Greek and Roman Studies, with a focus in osteology,
from the University of Victoria. These last three summers I have had some
really amazing field work experiences. In 2013 I attended a Mortuary
Archaeology Fieldschool in Drawsko, Poland. The site is most famous for its
multiple vampire burials. In 2014 I worked for the Yukon Government’s Tourism
and Culture Department in their Palaeontology Program through the Student
Training Employment Program. The work involved visiting local placer gold mines
in the Klondike Goldfields around Dawson City and collecting Ice Age fossils.
This summer I am in Greece, working at the ancient site of Eleon for GRS 495
credit to complete my degree! Three absolutely fantastic summers, in three
truly incredible places. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work
and study in all of these places. Many
of the students, both in Poland and in Greece, had never attended a fieldschool
before, or had only attended the one. In Poland I was one of those students;
here in Greece I am one of few that have attended one, and a different one,
before. I found it very interesting the differences and the similarities I
experienced in Poland and Greece. The Yukon was also a bit different as I was
the only student working for the Palaeontology Program.

Poland

Yukon

Greece

Sites

17-18th Century
cemetery, containing many graves with little grave goods, as well as multiple
vampire burials.

Late Bronze Age through Classical
Period city site of Ancient Eleon, containing building structures, ceramics,
bone, and stone tools, among other things.

Weather

Hot and dry. Worked in light rain,
but not heavy rain. Very few rain days. Some early starts to keep out of the
hottest part of the day.

Hot and dry. Quite a few rain days,
but did not hinder our work. Irregular hours, depending on what was needed.

Hot and more humid. Early starts to
keep out of the hottest part of the day. Surprisingly many rain days for a
Greek summer. Do not work in the rain or when the site is muddy.

Language

Small village with few to no
English speakers, encouraged us to learn the basics of Polish. Even in cities
it was easier to get by with some Polish.

Not relating to living, but a definite
language barrier when it came to communicating between academics and the
miners – luckily I have a background in both!

Small town, but with more English
speakers than Poland. Learnt some of the basics of Greek, but did not need to
use as often, particularly in cities.

People

All new people involved in the
excavation, apart from staff. Many academic visitors to site, but few locals.

I was the only student, and the
youngest person on the small staff. Many academic visitors, often helping
with their research.

A mix of new and returning students,
along with past students, and quite a large staff. Also quite a few academic
visitors as well as locals.

Education

Four week long fieldschool. Focus
was on mortuary archaeology and osteology, with almost daily lectures on
different aspects, as well as guest lectures from visitors. Field notebooks
required with daily entries and drawings, weekly tests, and of course
participation.

Summer long Work Experience
position. Focus was on identifying Ice Age mammal fossils, as well as
interaction with the miners as well as the public. Kept a field notebook, as
well as took photos and kept a photo log. Also, posted social media updates
for the team.

Six week long fieldschool. Focus on
archaeology and Bronze Age pottery, with a few lectures on ceramics, conservation,
faunal analysis, and drawing. Field notebooks required, a blog entry, a
trench tour, an exam at the end, and lots of participation.

Lifestyle

Work Monday to Friday,
morning-afternoon in the field or lab, with a lecture in the evening. Break
in the later afternoon which involved writing in field notebooks, swimming,
games and drinks. Dinner together then out for drinks and games until quite
late at night. Weekends away travelling in groups to different places, trains
main mode of transportation.

Irregular work hours, usually on
ten day rotations with four days off, work morning-afternoon and sometimes
later into the evening. Lots of driving required, often in 4x4 on poorly
maintained roads to operating placer gold mines. Lots of walking while at the
mines. Happy hour drinks with the team after work and sometimes dinner and
evenings out in town, especially when we had visiting scientists.

Work Monday to Saturday, early
morning to early afternoon in the field. Break in the afternoon, in which
many people napped, others swam, played games, had a cold beer, and wrote in
field or trench notebooks. Late afternoon pottery washing, lectures, pottery
and faunal analysis (Except on Saturdays). Dinner together and then early
nights for most. Long weekend halfway through dig season when groups
travelled to different places, usually in cars or the van.

This summer I embarked on an incredible journey to the beautiful country of Greece to take part in an experience I will never forget. It is hard to captivate the entirety of my experience with mere words, so I decided I would try to express my summer in Greece via video. When I first began this journey I often wondered what exactly I would be doing in the trenches of Eleon. Would I become the next Indiana Jones uncovering the temple of doom, or would I be an average person just moving dirt? As cool as Indiana Jones is, I would have to say that my experience at Eleon was far superior to any adventure that Jones took part in, and I say that for one simple reason...The big pick. In the infamous indy movies you never see Indiana wielding the big pick axe doing actual archaeology, where as in my opinion, there is nothing more satisfying than swinging the big pick doing a clean 10cm pass, and uncovering an ancient history in the process. I feel obligated, however, to mention a particular illness that will take over once the smooth wooden handle first touches your fingers. To the common man your body may just feel warm, as if you have received to much sun, but to the experienced archaeologist it is known as "the fever." The fever can be described as the irresistible desire to big pick, disregarding all cautionary measures to maintain locus levels and to observe differences in soil change. The fever will take over your body and mind in a way you never thought possible, and without realizing it you will have done three full 10cm trench passes before first break. By the end of the day you will have moved 150 buckets of dirt and ask yourself...what happened to me? Some may say they cannot tell if they have the fever or not, but perhaps the easiest way to diagnose the disease is when someone has been asked to do a shallow 5cm pass, but in reality they were digging closer to 10cm. Your body will do this on its own as it is something you will not be able to control. It will be up to your supervisor to get you out of the trench, feed you a cookie, insist that you take an Almora rehydration tablet, and tell you to go sit under the tree for some shade in order to get rid of the fever for the time being. I myself am burdened with this illness, but I do not intend on treating it. In all seriousness, my time in Greece has been something I will never forget. From the gorgeous beaches of Dilesi to the breathtaking 6am sunrises, from the incredible friendships to the amazing food, this experience will be an ever lasting memory. Being able to take part of an excavation at the incredible site of Eleon cannot be described with words - it is something that you will have to experience for yourself. But I warn you...if you do ever make it into the trenches, beware of the fever.

Along with the video below, I have included a few time lapse clips to demonstrate the work we do in the trenches - Enjoy!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

What a great group for 2015! And not everyone on our team is in the photo unfortunately. We took this photo yesterday, on Canada Day. We had heavy rains the night before so we had a very leisurely 7 am start time. Many of us went to the site, others to the apothiki (our work/storage area), and the rest stayed back in Dilesi, for data entry and pottery analysis. I was part of the team that went to the site. What we found was pretty surprising - pools of water in several of our newly dug trenches.

We assembled a crack team of water-balers and quickly were able to empty the most heavily filled trenches. We let it all dry in the sun and by today we were back in business, more or less. With only a week or so left in the excavation season, every day matters.

Our students are also going to be blogging a lot more since it's part of the course requirements - so look out for those. Thanks to the ones who have blogged already - Duncan and Tyler.

The end will come very quickly for us - as usual we are busy with end of season photos, t-shirts, group photos, etc. Our Greek colleagues came to visit the site today and were as usual very helpful and supportive. We are very lucky to have such great partners during this very difficult time in Greece. This afternoon I was interviewed for our local CBC morning program back home in Victoria. I tried to give a balanced perspective on the choices facing Greece. People are uncertain of the future, of course, and how Greece will manage over the coming days and weeks. My only thought is that something has to happen soon because what's been going on over the last few years has obviously not been solving the many problems so many people are facing. We hope for the very best for this country that have given us all so much.